The between-meal nibbles

Nibbles are typically high in fat and calorie dense with not much nutritional value. So instead of crisps, sausage rolls and cheese-based snacks why not try healthier alternatives such as vegetable sticks, bread sticks with humus and kale chips. Don’t feel obliged to take a nibble when you are offered. It’s perfectly alright to say ‘No (thank you)’ (with a smile ☺).

We all know that this time of the year people tend to drink alcohol more frequently. So just a little word to remind us that:

1 glass of wine (175 ml, 12% alcohol) = 126 kilocalories (kcal)

1 pint of beer (5% alcohol) = 215 kilocalories (kcal)

1 standard measure of whiskey = 51 kilocalories (kcal)

It’s easy for these calories to add up. If you have two glasses of wine (126 kcal x 2 = 252 kcal PLUS if you have a packet of crisps (25 g packet = 131 kcal) – the total is 383 kcal!! This is about the same as a breakfast of 2 slices of toast with butter, 1 boiled egg and a cup of tea with semi-skimmed milk.

Alternate your drink with non-alcohol drink (non-sugar drinks or water is even better!). Sip your drink slowly so it lasts longer (thus cheaper). Cutting alcohol is good for your waistline and your wallet.